Yukiko Kai (, Kai Yukiko, 21 September 1954 - 12 December 1980) Masao Azuma & Ran Ishidō (2009), p.825 Nichigai Associates Editorial Department (1997), p.96 was a Japanese shōjo manga artist. Her real name was Kimiko Kaihatsu (, Kaihatsu Kimiko). She is considered a member of the Post Year 24 Group. Although she died young, her works are still analyzed.Akita Shoten published the 6 volume bunkobon series that contains almost all of her published works 20 years after her death in 1999–2000. This is exceptional. Manga artist Akiko Hatsu is her younger sister.Thorn, Matt. Interview to Moto Hagio (archive.com), Note 34. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
Biography Born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture, Kai graduated from a high school and entered a company where she worked for one year. She joined the manga coterie magazine Ravuri which her friend Yasuko Sakata operated when she was in high school. In 1973, she went to Tokyo and became a manga assistant of Moto Hagio, and lived in Hagio's house. She also worked as an assistant of Keiko Takemiya.
Kai debuted in the Spring issue of Bessatsu Viva Princess (the first issue of this magazine) in Akita Shoten for her work Anasutashia no Sutekina Otonari (Nice Next-door Neighbor of Anastasia). She published the stories of the "Shiki series" (Seasons series) and the "Anastasia series" in the magazine Gekkan Princess and Bonita.Office J.B ed. (2014), p.85. This book introduces her work Fenera and other works such as Kaze ni Naku etc. The book says re-evaluation of this young died artist is required.
In 1979, when Moto Hagio, Aiko Itō, Yukiko Kai, Akiko JōManager of Moto Hagio, (). and Shio Satō visited the Europe, they participated in the 37th Worldcon, Seacon '79 at Brighton, United Kingdom.They are all members of the Ōizumi Saloon., Related info.
After published Ryokuin Kōro in the Summer issue of Bessatsu Viva Princess in 1980, Kai spent time under medical treatment at a hospital in Kanazawa city. She died on 12 December 1980 of stomach cancer at a hospital in Kanazawa.
The story which was contributed to the collaboration manga Kyōdai Jingi is her last work. Coterie magazine Rappori published by Akiko Hatsu. (for reference).
Style of works Kai read Japanese fantastic novels and works such as those by Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, Hideo Nakai (JA) and Kunio Tsukamoto (JA) etc. "Kai Yukiko and Nō - Dialogue between Kai and Masao Azuma" (personal blog) She was largely affected by these fantastic works. Kai wrote various genres of manga stories. But she loved Fantasy and Science fiction. Many of her works are classified in these genres.
Works Princess comics There are nine books of Yukiko Kai published in Princess comics by Akita Shoten.
Title (English) Title (Japanese) Title Release ISBN ref References: Retrieved 14 October 2019. RemarkFenera Fenera 1977-1130 refAnastasia and Neighbors Anasutashia to Otonari 1979-0310 refSeasons Records Shiki Tsuduri 1979-0805 refRaising Dream Lily Yumeyuri Sodate 1980-0710 refVisionary Flower Love Maboroshi no Hanakoi 1981-0515 refThe Day Karuki Comes Karuki no Kuru Hi 1981-0905 refDance Please, Death god Odotte Shinigami-san 1981-0920 refLament in the Wind Kaze ni Naku 1981-1205 refMagnolia Excerpts Magnolia Shō 1981-1205 ref
Akita bunko There are six bunkobon books of Yukiko Kai published by Akita Shoten. In this bunkobon version, even if the title of book is same as that of Princess comics version, the stories contained are different.
Title (English) Title (Japanese) Title Release ISBN ref RemarkMagnolia Excerpts Magnolia Shō1999-0610 refSeasons Records Shiki Tsuduri1999-1010 refFenera Fenera 1999-1210 refThe Day Karuki Comes Karuki no Kuru Hi2000-0210 refRaising Dream Lily Yumeyuri Sodate2000-0610 refAnastasia and Neighbors Anasutashia to Otonari2000-0810 ref
Others
Title (English) Title (Japanese) Series Publisher Form Release ISBN ref RemarkFlower Evening Twilight Hana YoiyamiPapermoon sōshoShinshokan B5 1982-0515refLetter of Chrysanthemum Kikuka no TayoriShinchō comicShinchosha A5 1992-1215ref(Alice book)Brotherhood Duties Kyōdai JingiCollaboration work: Rappori Ninkyōban edited by Akiko Hatsu Papermoon comicsShinshokan - 1981 - refCollaboration
See also Moto Hagio - Kai was her assistant. Kai was influenced by Hagio's works. Yasuko Sakata - Kai's friend since high school. Akiko Hatsu - The younger sister of Kai. Hatsu was at one point Kai's assistant. Closely following Kai's death, Akiko Hatsu made her debut as a manga artist. The pseudonyms "Yukiko Kai" and "Akiko Hatsu" come from their real surname (Kaihatsu).
Notes and references
References Masao Azuma & Ran Ishidō (2009) Dictionary of Japanese Fantasy Writers, Kokusho Kankokai, p. 825 Nichigai Associates Editorial Department (April 21, 1997), Dictionary of Manga and Anime artists. Nichigai Associates Co., Ltd. Office J.B ed. (July 23, 2014) The most favorites! Volume of Shojo manga 70s (Futaba-sha Super-mook). Futaba-sha
External links